NAHQ Events
The Guardians FMA Camp, Ontario, CANADA July 7-9, 2000
Phil-Am Friendship Day Parade, Manhattan, NY June 4, 2000
Workshop w/ Master Christopher Ricketts May 19 - 26, 2000
Ramapo College of NJ - FASA - Demo (April 29, 2000)
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Passaic, NJ - Fund-Raiser Demo, April 14, 2000
Pagbubunyi, NYC, NY - April 2, 2000
Masters of the Blade Tournament, January 29,2000
Knife Fighting Seminar at NAHQ - December 11, 1999
Bakbakan Demo at Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ - December 9, 1999
NAHQ Team wins at PIMA Invitational, October 16, 1999
NAHQ visits Philippine HQ, October 7 - 17, 1999
A Gathering of Warriors Tournament, September 18, 1999
Classic Fencing Tournament, July 24, 1999
Lapu-Lapu Classic, June 20, 1999
Milan, Italy Members Visit NAHQ
Seton Hall University's Filipino Week, April 19-23, 1999
Vee Do Kwan 1st Annual Tournament, April 11, 1999
FMA Featured in International Fencing Exposition, January 9, 1999
Discover FMA at Bakbakan's NAHQ
Bakbakan International will be participating in the Annual Fil-Am Friendship Day parade in Manhattan, New York on June 4, 2000.
This ever-growing event features many of the Philippines' dignitiaries, entertainers, and artists.
Master Christopher Ricketts, Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International (HQ), will be at the
NAHQ from May 19 to 26 to conduct intensive workshops in Sagasa, Bakbakan Kali and Ngo Cho. Bakbakan members and students
are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn under the tutelage of the world renowned Master Topher.
Sessions open to the public are on May 22, 24 and 25. Fee for participation in all three public sessions is $60 or $30 per session.
Workshop hours are from 7:00pm to 9:30 pm. Special group (private) sessions during other days and times may be accommodated subject to
negotiations and pre-arrangements. For more info, please call (973) 253-1946.
Member Angelo Culiersi of Bakbakan (Milan, Italy) will also be present for the workshop as well as to share ideas, training and techniques with
his Bakbakan brothers. Angelo is a well known European Judo and Jiu-jitsu champion and coach.
The Filipino American Student Association (FASA) of Ramapo College, New Jersey heldt its
first ever Barrio Festival with festivities promoting Philippine art, literature, culture and heritage. FASA President Mel Carrillo
invited Bakbakan International to present the Warrior Arts of the Philippines. Bakbakan Chief Instructor Rey Galang
accompanied by members and students: Paul Marzo, Rich Riccardi, Steve Antonsson, Rob Jacobo, Carl Figueroa,
Anthony di Primio and Butch Rosario.
The Passaic Filipino Catholic Organization recently requested Bakbakan to participate
in a fund-raising project for the benefit of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Passaic. Bakbakan Chief Instructor Rey Galang
was accompanied by the following members and students: Jim Young, Rich Riccardi, Steve Antonsson, Wilson Lopez,
Anthony di Primio and Butch Rosario.
The Center for Traditional Music and Dance (CTMD) recently held a special Celebration of Filipino Heritage and Culture.
Among the presenters for Filipino Martial Arts were the groups Bakbakan International,
Doce Pares, Vee Do Kwan and Marinas Pananandata. The Bakbakan demo team was composed of NAHQ Instructor Rey Galang,
members and students Wileen Arellano, Steve Antonsson, Wilson Lopez, Butch Rosario, RJ Andres Jr and Eric Recano.
The First Annual Bakbakan's Masters of the Blade of the Blade
Tournament was held at the organizations NAHQ on January 29, 2000.
Check out the Masters of the Blade 2000 - Tournament Results
A special Knife Fighting Seminar will be held at Bakbakan's North American Headquarters (NAHQ)
in Lodi, New Jersey on December 11, 1999 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Participation fee for non-members is $30.
The seminar/workshop will concentrate on fighting and sparring technqiues.
This special session is in preparation for the forthcoming Masters of the Blade Knife-Fighting Tournament
to be held at the NAHQ on January 29, 2000. The seminar/workshop will start promptly at 10:00 am with no lunch break.
There will also be a mini-tournament at the end of the seminar/workshop for those interested.
Bakbakan has been invited to participate in Bergen Community College's
Philippine Ethnic Heritage Night on December 9, 1999. The demonstration
will take place at the college's gymnasium at 7:00 pm. Bakbakan was invited to participate in this cultural event
by Prof. Susanna Lansangan of the college's English Department.
A 3-man team from Bakbakan NAHQ competed at the PIMA Invitational held at Rutgers University
in New Brunswick, New Jersey last October 16, 1999. Despite the absence of Chief Instructor
Rey Galang and some of the members who were in the Philippines at that time, the team performed very well.
Paul Marzo and RJ Andres Jr. took first place in their respective Single Stick divisions. Rob Jacobo took
second place in his Single Stick division.
As always, the crowd was impressed with the fighting skill and technique of the Bakbakan team.
NAHQ members Steve Antonsson, Chris Bengel and Wilson Lopez,
accompanied by NAHQ Chief Instructor Rey Galang, visited their Philippine Bakbakan brothers
last October 7-17, 1999. During their stay, the visiting members were able to train,
compete and fellowship with their Bakbakan brethren. Chris, Steve and Wilson were able
to train one-on-one with Masters Christopher Ricketts and Tony Diego.
They also had the opportunity of meeting Grandmasters Nene Tortal and Jose Mena. Aside from the training,
the trio were taken on a tour of the Metro-Manila. They also met and had dinner with Senior Ronnie Ricketts and his family.
Mansour Del Rosario, another Bakbakan member, was on hand to meet and greet the visiting members.
The trio impressed their Philippine brothers with their fighting skills and grasp of Bakbakan
fighting concepts and strategy. They were also able to tour the Ayala Museum as well as Tagaytay, downtown Quiapo,
Makati and posh Ayala Alabang Village.
Watch this page for postings of their individual report on their Philippine trip.
NAHQ held its first FMA invitational tournament on
September 18, 1999 at its premises in Lodi, New Jersey. For a detailed
result of the tournament, see NAHQ 1999 FMA Tournament RESULTS.
St. Peter's College, Jersey City, NJ - Bakbakan member served as judges
at the historic Classic Fencing Tournament held at St. Peter's College in Jersey City on July 24, 1999.
The event was hosted by Maestro Ramon Martinez's Academy of Classical Fencing & Historical Swordsmanship.
Bakbakan members attended a workshop a week prior to the event to review the tournament rules and scoring procedures.
The competition was attended by 18 participants who underwent rigid pre-qualification prior to
registration. The tournament demanded the best of the best from the individual participants as they fought the
initial round-robin bouts in 3 separate pistes. After the seeding resulting from the round-robin, the participants
then further competed in a double-elimination tournament for the event
Championship.
Judges from Bakbakan were: NAHQ Chief Instructor Rey Galang, Wileen Arellano, Chris Bengel, Wilson Lopez,
Rich Riccardi, Jun Tiozon Jr., and Jim Young. Also present and judging from the FMA group(s) were Guro Danny Paolo
and Danifrance Paolo-Molina of Vee Do Kwan.
Manhattan, NY - Bakbakan juniors and first time participants proved their mettle once again at the Lapu-Lapu
Classic held at Lincoln Square Community Center in Mid-town Manhattan on June 20, 1999.
Competing in different divisions and with a team of primarily first-time competition participants, Bakbakan once again
proved the quality of its members and training.
In the forms division, Wilson Lopez took 3rd place with his performance of "Ang Batikan". Wileen Arellano
also participated with her performance of Tulisan's "Prinsesa Urduja".
The Women's Sparring Division featured members Wileen Arellano and Mimie Chin Moy. Despite their
fraternal links, both members fought fast and furious for the 1st and 2nd place with Wileen bagging 1st place.
Bakbakan associate member Paul Marzo repeated his previous tournament's performance
and took 3rd place in the middle weight single stick division.
Other entries in the middle weight single stick were Pete Bumanlag, Michael Reno and Ron Suayan.
The lone entry in the lightweight single stick division was Jun Tiozon. Jun fought well but lost to the
more experienced fighters. However, having had his first taste of tournament fighting, Jun looks forward
to the next competition with a better understanding of the rules and
elements of the sport.
In the heavyweight single stick division, members Steve Antonsson and Rich Riccardi competed well.
Steve took 3rd place in this division.
The Open Double Stick division's 1st place was captured by Michael Reno with Steve Antonsson taking
the 3rd place.
All participants performed well in their respective matches. NAHQ Chief Instructor Rey Galang and members Jim Young and Jan Jardiniano
were on hand to coach and assist the participants. The Bakbakan members celebrated their
success with the traditional post-tournament dinner at China Garden in Clifton, NJ.
Lodi, NJ - In conjunction with the week-long visit of our Milan, Italy Associate Members Angelo Culiersi and Angela Cardinali,
Bakbakan's NAHQ decided to hold a special Memorial Weekend workshop to mark the event
and allow other Filipino Martial Arts enthusiasts the opportunity of learning and training in
Bakbakan's Filipino martial arts curriculum. The art of Bakbakan Kali is a highly structured and expanded version of the late Grand Master
Antonio Ilustrisimo's art of Kali Ilustrisimo.
Bakbakan Kali incorporates the sophisticated weaponry system of the Northern Luzon Plains, specifically Sinawali
as well as the Espada y Daga arts popularized by the pioneering work of Placido Yambao. The workshop will cover the
fundamentals of Sinawali and will progress to the techniques of Solo Baston as practiced and documented in the drills
known as Balangkas. The knife fighting art of Tulisan will also be demonstrated and taught with the techniques and drills derived
from the forms of "Lengua de Fuego" and "Alibata" intensively explored.
The ultimate and sophisticated art of Espada y Daga will be introduced through the many combinations and drills developed and founded on
the art of Sinawali. Time permitting, there will also be a mini-competition in the arts covered during the workshop. Participation in this
event is optional. A special Certificate will be awarded to all who take part in the meet.
Cost for one-day participation is $40 and the 2-day workshop is only $65. Please call up the NAHQ to reserve space as
the number of non-member participants accepted wil be limited. Participants to the two-day workshop will be awarded a Certificate of Participation.
South Orange, NJ - A week-long celebration dubbed as "Filipino Week" has been organized by the
Student's Filipino League at Seton Hall (FLASH) for April 19-23, 1999. The celebration will feature
the many facets of Filipino culture including Filipino Martial Arts.
FLASH president Josef V. Tuazon requested Bakbakan International
to present a demonstration of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.
The demonstration will cover both armed and unarmed combat. A highlight of the presentation is
a demonstration the Abakada of Placido Yambao as well as the forms of Sinawali -
the Warrior Arts of the Philippine Plains. Bakbakan International is
well known for its Bakbakan Kali system which is founded on the late Grand Master Antonio "Tatang"
Ilustrisimo's art of Kali Ilustrisimo.
The martial arts program will be as follows: 1. Sinawali demonstration - The form of Ang Batikan.
This portion will include a short two-man drill demonstration of both armed and unarmed
application of the techniques of Sinawali.
2. Solo Baston demonstration of Balangkas I & II. Demonstrations of single stick defense and disarming techniques.
3. Demonstration of Tulisan - The Knife Fighting Art of Kali Ilustrisimo. The performance will
include freestyle sparring as well as knife defense techniques.
4. Demonstration of Espada y Daga form "Ang Sandatahan". A presentation of Placido Yambao's
Abakada.
The demonstration will be on Friday evening, April 23, 1999, at the Main Lounge of Seton Hall University. For directions to Seton Hall University,
please visit their website at www.shu.edu.
Queens, NY - Bakbakan Juniors proved their mettle at Vee Do Kwan's 1st Annual Arnis Invitational Competition.
The event was held last Sunday, April 11, 1999, at the La Guardia Community College in Long Island City, NY.
Competing in different divisions and with only a team of 5 participants, Bakbakan once again
proved the quality of its members and training.
The lone Bakbakan entry in the forms division, 16-year old Sheena Ocot, performed the
Sinawali form "Ang Batikan" and won 2nd place. Cadet Paul Marzo, a Bakbakan student for
only 4 months, took 3rd place in his single-stick division. Spectators were impressed with Paul's
fighting ability and combinations. Rich Ramos, one of the youngest members of Bakbakan's NAHQ
took 2nd place in his single-stick division after battling for the 1st place against another
Bakbakan member, Mike Reno. Mike Reno took 1st in this single stick division and also
won 1st place in the double stick division. Rich Riccardi won his first match in the heavyweight single stick
division but lost in the next match.
All 5 participants performed well in their respective matches. Seniors John Jacobo and
Chris Bengel were on hand to coach and assist the participants. Also present
were members Wileen Arellano, Pete Bumanlag, Rob Jacobo, Alain Salvo, James Young and Bakbakan Director
and NAHQ Chief Instructor, Rey Galang.
NAHQ Members are now preparing for the next coming competitions which include the WEKAF
Regional, the Lapu-Lapu Classic in Manhattan and others.
The preparation, like Bakbakan's tri-salute, freely translated, goes, "Learn Well, Train Hard, Fight Easy."
Jersey City, NJ - For the first time ever, the Filipino Martial Arts of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima will be a special feature in the Classical Fencing and Historical Swordsmanship Exposition. This exclusive and rare event will be held at the Yanitelli Center, St. Peter's College in New Jersey on January 9, 1999, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Yanitelli Center is located at 2641 Kennedy Blvd in Jersey City.
This unique and exciting event includes exhibition of traditional European sword arts as well as the special event featuring the Filipino weapon arts commonly known as Eskrima, Kali and Arnis. Planned exhibitions include demonstrations of the academic traditions of foil, epee and sabre of the 19th century, the small sword fencing of the 18th century, and the rapier play of the 16th and 17th century.
This rare gathering of masters is sponsored by the Martinez Academy of Arms. The academy's master of arms as well as the event's host, Maestro Ramon Martinez, will personally present a demonstration of the much misunderstood Spanish school of rapier fencing, La Verdadera Destreza, which Maestro Martinez has spent over two decades researching.
In addition, other styles will be exhibited by several honored guests. Maitre Adam Crown of In Ferro Veritas in Ithaca, New York, will present a demonstration of Italian rapier. Paul Macdonald of Edinborough, Scotland will present a demonstration of Renaissance German dusack play. J. Christoph Amberger, publisher of Hammerterz Forum and a featured guest of the A&E special Deadly Duels, will present a demonstration of German student's dueling, or mensur.
As an exclusive feature, Filipino martial arts Master Rey Galang of Bakbakan International will present a demonstration of the classic Filipino arts of "Sinawali", "Solo Baston" and "Espada y Daga". It is believed by many that these classic arts may have been influenced by European swordsmanship. Master Galang and Bakbakan International are featured in the international best seller "Filipino Martial Culture" as well as in "Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima" and other international publications. This would be the first time ever that the Filipino methods of arms have been included and honored in an event usually restricted to European swordsmanship.
Another special feature of the event is a demonstration by John Kovacs of the Martinez Academy of Arms of the unarmed combat techniques "Arte dell'Abracciare." These are defense and grappling techniques based on the rare manuscript Flos Duellatorum and Marozzo.
Admission for the event is $10, and is free to press with proper credentials. Further information and directions are available at the academy's web site, http://www.martinez-destreza.com or call (201) 330-8670. Additional information regarding Bakbakan International and the Filipino martial arts are available at the organizations web site, http://www.bakbakan.com or by visiting its North American headquarters at 95 B Dell Glen Ave in Lodi, New Jersey or call (973) 253-1946.
• Discover and experience the combat-tested strategy and techniques of BAKBAKAN Kali.
YOU can now learn the dynamic fighting arts of Bakbakan at the organization’s North American Headquarters located in Lodi, New Jersey. Discover the devastating arts, concepts, strategy, techniques and training methods of BAKBAKAN
One of the most striking and impressive things that you will discover in Bakbakan is the dynamic energy and fraternal spirit shared by its members. This bond prevails even beyond the demanding training and gruelling sparring sessions where excellence is a tradition. Every member is dedicated to the development of individual and collective skills to the utmost. Everyone assists everyone else, whether it is a raw beginner who is painstakingly learning the most rudimentary drill or an advanced student preparing for the unpredictable and strenuous demands of competition.
Whether you are an all-around fighter or a specialist, you will find in the select fighting arts of Bakbakan the answer to every aspect of combat.
You will have the opportunity to learn one of the foremost weapon arts in the world. The art of Bakbakan Kali evolved from the the time-tested and battle-proven concepts and strategies of the late Grand Master Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo. Bakbakan Kali will give you a fresh insight to direct and pure combative techniques and strategies.
Bakbakan Kali will sharpen and give edge to your weapons expertise. You will discover the awesome and distinguished art of Sinawali: the fighting art of the Philippine Plains. Sinawali ephasizes ambidexterous and bilateral training, preparing you for the advanced Espada y Daga (Sword & Dagger) and Kalis-Kaluban (Sword & Scabbard) arts.
You will learn the single weapon arts of Solo Baston (single sword/stick) and Dos Manos or Pingga (long pole). The swift and lethal art of Tulisan will develop your knife fighting and defense skills. With its many realistic and combative drills, Bakbakan Kali will arm you with the unparalleled, fierce weapon skills of the acclaimed Filipino blade masters.
The dynamic art of Sagasa Karate/Kickboxing will energize your punching, kicking and striking skills with raw power. Sagasa, harnessed from the competition and street-tested strategies and training methods of Dr. Guillermo Lengson of the Karate Federation of the Philippines, is a very powerful, effective and proven style of empty hand fighting.
Hagibis incorporates throwing, grappling and submission techniques and complements the art of Sagasa to enhance and complete your unarmed combat expertise. The gentle fury of Hagibis will give you the competence and knowledge to hold your own against jiu-jitsu, wrestling and grappling. With Hagibis, you will explore and unravel the secrets, pitfalls and opportunities of takedown and submission arts.
Bakbakan training sessions are divided into two main parts. The first, the formal or technical session, is where you will be constantly and progressively trained and drilled in the fundamentals, concepts, strategies and finer points of each art. The second part, the practical or open session, gives you the opportunity to test and analyze your evolving fighting skills. You will find the open sessions the most exciting and demanding part of your training. It is where you will grow and mature with the enriching, undeniable and sobering lessons of victory and defeat. Each training session will be a milestone in your growth, each encounter a challenge and an opportunity to excel and be the best.
From master of arms to unarmed combat, the fighting arts of Bakbakan will arm you with the knowledge and skills of the ultimate warrior.
Participate in a FREE no-obligation introductory session and discover for yourself the exciting world of authentic Filipino martial arts.
Call us at (973) 253-1946 or e-mail us at moreinfo@bakbakan.com for more details.
October 7 - 17, 1999
• Encounter the lethal Sinawali double weapon tactics of the mercenaries of the Philippine Plains.
• Unleash the swift and deadly combinations of Ilustrisimo solo baston.
• Capture the bold and fierce spirit of Tulisan knife-fighting.
• Uncover the secrets of classic Espada y Daga techniques.
• Harness the dynamic and raging power of Sagasa karate/kickboxing.
• Meet the gentle fury of Hagibis throwing and grappling art.
*The center is located approximately a block and a half from the Lodi Municipal Complex. From Route 46 take Main Street exit to Lodi. Follow Main Street and turn right at Arnot Street (Corner of Lodi Municipal Complex - Police Station side - and across from Burger King and Big K Mart). Turn right at next street into Dell Glen Avenue. The center is in the 3rd building on the RIGHT. Driveway entrance to the building is indicated by signs for Duke Auto Salvage and Stained Glass Studio.
BAKBAKAN is now accepting applications for probationary
students for those without a sponsoring member. On or before the end of
the probationary period, the student may be nominated by active members
for candidate member status. For more information, call the North American
Headquarters listed above. Classes are evenings, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and on
Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
©2000 Bakbakan International